Goshikinuma Onsen (五色沼温泉)

Introduction: The Prismatic Waters of the Volcanic Plateau

Situated at the heart of the Bandai-Asahi National Park, Goshikinuma Onsen (五色沼温泉) is more than a hot spring; it is a gateway to one of Japan’s most surreal geological wonders. Located just steps away from the Michelin-starred Goshikinuma Ponds (Five-Colored Ponds), this onsen area was forged in the fires of the 1888 Bandai eruption. While the ponds outside shimmer in impossible shades of emerald, cobalt, and turquoise, the thermal waters beneath offer a different kind of alchemy. In 2024, the region saw a massive international evolution with the opening of Mercure Urabandai Resort & Spa, bringing a sophisticated “All-Inclusive” wellness model to the Fukushima highlands.[1, 2] For the modern traveler, Goshikinuma Onsen represents the perfect synthesis of rugged outdoor exploration and refined, mineral-fueled recovery.

Key Information Table

The Healing Waters: Balneology of the Eruption

The waters of Goshikinuma Onsen are a direct byproduct of the region’s volcanic activity. Classified as Sodium-Calcium Chloride-Sulfate springs, they possess a complex mineral profile designed by nature to protect and restore.

The “Warmth Coat” and Skin Hydration

Scientifically, the sodium-chloride content ($Na^{+}$, $Cl^{-}$) acts by forming a thin “mineral veil” on the bather’s skin. This prevents the rapid evaporation of sweat and body heat, making it an essential treatment for the cold, high-altitude winters of Urabandai. Simultaneously, the sulfate ions ($text{SO}_4^{2-}$) promote skin hydration and micro-circulation, which helps in the recovery of sports-related muscle fatigue. The water is remarkably clear and odorless, allowing you to focus entirely on the surrounding primeval forest views.

Top 5 Recommended Stays

• Mercure Urabandai Resort & Spa (メルキュール裏磐梯): Address: 1093-309 Kengamine. The definitive choice for international travelers. Rebranded in 2024, this hotel offers an All-Inclusive experience where your buffet meals, local sake, and onsen access are all covered.[1, 2] The rooms are spacious (36m²+) with expansive views of Mt. Bandai.
• Pension Kaede: A charming, family-run boutique lodge known for its personalized hospitality and proximity to the Goshikinuma trail entrance.
• Urabandai Cranes: A highly-rated budget-friendly option that features a “quasi-private” onsen experience and exceptional home-cooked Japanese meals.
• Country Inn Mori no Gorilla: A cozy “forest cottage” style hotel perfect for families, offering direct access to nature trails and high ratings for its rustic atmosphere.
• Nature Cottage Akabeko: A pet-friendly, standalone cottage facility that allows travelers to enjoy the mineral waters of Urabandai in a private, self-contained environment.

Must-Visit Public Features: Footbaths and Fountains

While Goshikinuma is a resort hub, the spirit of communal wellness is found in the local Ashiyu (Footbaths). The nearby Urabandai Visitor Center often features temporary footbath installations during the green season. Engaging in a footbath while overlooking Bishamon-numa—the largest of the colored ponds—is a vital tradition for hikers who have just completed the 4km forest trail.

Walking Guide: The Prismatic 4km Trek

The Goshikinuma Nature Trail is non-negotiable. This 4km path connects approximately 30 volcanic ponds.

• Ao-numa (Blue Pond): Perhaps the most photogenic, shimmering in a turquoise blue that defies natural description due to light scattering minerals.
• Aka-numa (Red Pond): The edges of the plants here are dyed a rusty red due to the high iron content in the water.[8, 9]
• Benten-numa: A massive pastel-blue expanse that offers one of the best panoramic viewpoints along the trail.[10, 9]

Local Gastronomy: Highland Flavors & Vegan Innovation

Aizu Horse Meat Hot Pot (Sakura-nabe): A seasonal highlight for the 2025-2026 winter season at Mercure Urabandai. This local specialty uses lean horse meat in a savory miso broth, providing high protein and low fat—the ultimate recovery meal.[2]
Aizu Kozuyu: A clear celebratory soup made with dried scallops and mamefu (wheat gluten). It is the soul food of the region.
Vegan/Vegetarian Navigation:
In the city center of nearby Aizu-Wakamatsu, Vegemahi offers 100% plant-based Japanese meals. Within Urabandai, request Sansai (Mountain Vegetable) Tempura without egg wash. The local Himatari Tofu is exceptionally dense and can be enjoyed simply with wasabi and soy sauce (ensure “dashi-nuki” for the soy sauce).

Cultural & Historical Context

Goshikinuma was born from tragedy. In 1888, Mt. Bandai collapsed in a massive steam explosion, burying villages and blocking rivers. The area was a barren wasteland until Endo Jujiro, a local visionary, dedicated his life and fortune to reforesting the plateau. He planted over 100,000 red pines, creating the lush forest you walk through today. Every soak in Goshikinuma is a tribute to this incredible human resilience and the power of nature to regenerate.

Practical Travel Tips for International Visitors

• Tattoo Policy: Mercure Urabandai is modern and inclusive. Small tattoos can be covered with stickers (available at the front desk), and private family baths are the best solution for larger pieces.
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi is standard in the major resorts, but expect cellular signal to drop while hiking deep within the Goshikinuma trails.
• Cash & Payments: While Mercure and major hotels are cashless-friendly, the local bus (Bandai Toto Bus) and small trailside shops require JPY cash.
• Language: Translation apps are highly useful for reading the historical plaques along the nature trail.[11]

2025-2026 Latest Updates

In February 2026, the Urabandai Snow Festival “Night Fantasy” will light up the frozen Renge Pond with 3,000 candles and fireworks—a must-see event only 10 minutes from the Goshikinuma area. Additionally, new E-bike rental programs launched in 2025 allow for carbon-neutral exploration of the entire volcanic plateau.[12, 13]

Safety & Manners

Winter Driving: The road from Inawashiro to Goshikinuma is a steep mountain ascent. From Dec to March, 4WD and studless tires are mandatory.
Onsen Etiquette: Always use the “Kake-yu” (splashing water) method to adjust your body temperature before entering the tub.
Wildlife: 2025 has seen an increase in bear activity; carry a Bear Bell if hiking the nature trail at dawn or dusk.